Gout

[Terrapins Fan]

Man, that's a BAD word. I think I had a case of it this year. it wasn't bad, It never stopped me from refereeing, but it was uncomfortable.

It has flaired up twice on me this season.

Here's what I know, if you know more, help out other officials before they get it.

Avoid organ meats, like Liver, I am one of those guys who love liver....no more.

Avoid soy beans and high protein meats, spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, dried beans, anchovies, sardines, roe (fish eggs), herring, mussels, codfish, scallops, trout, haddock and gravy.
Oh and many of you are going to hate this one, BEER. Funny, I have never had a beer. Never drank any beer at all. I know that makes me a freak, but it's true.

Part of the problem with gout is that I have stage 3 kidney disease. I am 6'2" 215 pounds. I am 54 years old, healthy as an ox. I climb a ladder almost every day for my job. I am never sick.

I don't feel bad at all. But things happen for a reason. I accept this. Maybe this is God's way of telling me something, but what I am telling you all is see a doctor if you feel bad. I had a very good friend die at the age of 56 from colon cancer.

I have had 2 colon exams, they suck, but I am clean. Get your test done, they call it the silent killer for a reason. My friend was never sick either, until he was almost dead. Once he was diagnosed, he lived less than 6 months.

This may not be a pleasant thread, but it could save your life and give you more time with your family.